Lenovo prices and details ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo has now announced imminent availability for its gorgeous and lightweight ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

The new premier Ultrabook has 13.03 x 8.9 x 0.74-inch (331 x 226 x 18.85 mm) dimensions, the kind of size normally reserved for 13-inch displays but the ThinkPad X1 Carbon features a bright (300-nit) 14-inch, 1600 x 900 resolution screen. Its attractive and tough carbon fiber chassis helps it achieve a starting weight of just under 3 pounds (1.36 kg), making it just a shade heavier and thicker than Acer's 13.3-inch S5 and Apple's latest 13-inch MacBook Air.

At the center of the top bezel is a 720p HD front-facing camera which benefits from face-tracking technology and dual array microphones. Below the hinge sits a backlit keyboard with large scalloped keys in the chiclet style, a multi-gesture glass surface touchpad and a fingerprint reader. Other system security features include a USB blocker to control access via the USB ports and BIOS Port Lock to remotely lock in and out ports.

The X1 will be available with either Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional and be powered by the latest 3rd generation Intel Core ultra-low-volt processor options including an i7-3667U running at 2 GHz and a 1.8 GHz i5-3427U, supported by up to 256 GB of solid state storage and 8 GB of DDR3 system memory. There's Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics (although NVIDIA N13P-GLP Optimus Graphics with 2 GB of dedicated video memory also gets a mention on the datasheet) and Dolby-tuned audio in the shape of Home Theater v4.

Physical connectivity comes in the shape of one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port, a 4-in-1 media card reader and a Mini DisplayPort with audio rather than HDMI. For the mobile user, Lenovo offers integrated 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and the option of contract-free 3G mobile broadband and hotspot technology.

Lenovo's RapidCharge technology promises up to five hours of continued use from the 45 watt-hour battery pack after just 35 minutes of charging, or users could opt to go the extra 20 percent and get up to eight hours of battery life from a full charge.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is available from this month for a starting price of US$1,299.

While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before the desire for sunnier climes saw him wave a fond farewell to his native Blighty in favor of Bordeaux, France. He's now a dedicated newshound pursuing the latest bleeding edge tech for Gizmag.

I'm wondering that when will the business laptop makers understand that the 16:9 screens are a dead end for them.

Kris Lee

When will people who complain about 16:9 screens understand that those are the only screens available for mass production of laptops and that laptop makers can only use what screens are available to them.

Thomas Christiansen

Tell that to Apple, which has been shipping 16:10, 1440x900 screens on Macbook Airs, for a few hundred dollars less than the similarly spec'd X1 Carbon will cost, along with 50% more battery capacity... and they're pulling profits of up to 37% on that machine!

Lenovo is full of it.

Chris Kahn

If I am going to spend that amount of money on a ultra lightweight laptop computer I am going to buy an Apple computer and get a modern operating system that is efficient, stable, and secure, as part of the deal, and not an OEM version of Windows 7 or 8 which are legacy operating systems layered over NT3.51.